Why Invest in Real Estate in Africa?
The World Economic Forum has identified that, since 2000, more than half of the world’s fastest-growing economies are in Africa. Many countries on the continent have developed their economies into increasingly attractive prospects for investors interested in emerging markets. An extensive basket of natural resources, improving stability in governance, a young and increasingly better-educated workforce, and better prospects for economic growth make real estate in Africa an attractive investment opportunity.
More than 60% of the world’s arable land lies in Africa, a fraction of which is being fully utilised. The continent has vast, untapped reserves of natural gas and oil, gold, platinum, uranium, cobalt, and diamonds. It also has many unexploited opportunities to produce hydroelectric power. The World Economic Forum predicts that by 2030, over 40% of the continent’s population will belong to the middle or upper classes which will drive demand for goods and services.
Despite the clear potential, the African continent may still be a riskier prospect for investors than more developed regions and should be approached with some caution. Engaging with a company that understands developing and investing in real estate in Africa, with a proven track record, would be prudent.
Top Locations for Real Estate in Africa
Nigeria, Egypt, and South Africa are the countries which are predicted to see the bulk of a significant increase in consumer spending going forward. Algeria, Angola, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Sudan, and Tunisia will also offer attractive opportunities for investment in real estate in Africa. Understanding the trends is helpful but once again a partner with experience developing and constructing real estate in Africa will significantly reduce investment risk.
Choose an Investment Partner with a Proven Pedigree
Gateway Real Estate Africa (GREA) is the development subsidiary of London and Mauritius listed Grit Real Estate Income Group and focuses on the provision of turnkey corporate accommodation as well as data centes, retail, commercial, healthcare, and industrial real estate in Africa. GREA provides direct real estate exposure to qualifying investors, offering high-yielding, US-dollar-denominated, rental income streams with robust growth potential. GREA provides bespoke turnkey developments in select African countries and has completed more than 100 million USD worth of developments in Kenya alone, with another 200 million USD worth of projects in the Kenyan pipeline. GREA operates in 14 African countries and has recently completed a 112-unit, international standard, diplomatic residential tower in the heart of Ethiopia’s capital city, Addis Ababa, the first of its kind in a city that hosts over 130 diplomatic missions. The building conforms to the US and other diplomatic agency structural and security requirements while the design and installation of all utilities meet International Building Code Health and Safety standards for apartment construction. In Ghana, GREA recently inaugurated Adumuah Place, the first three-story Grade A commercial complex in Appolonia City, a 2,325-acre (941-hectare) inclusive mixed-use new city in Greater Accra. Strong emphasis was placed on reducing tenants’ overall cost of occupation through clever design features that minimises the use of airconditioning and lighting. . Adumuah Place at Appolonia City is GREA’s first development in Ghana and the latest in a strategic partnership between GREA and Appolonia City’s developer, Rendeavour, which spans commercial, warehousing and logistics developments at Rendeavour’s new cities in East and West Africa.